PhD in Sense & Sensibility: How Brain Plasticity Underpins Sensory Perception & Learning.

Applications are invited for 3.5-year full time fully-funded PhD studentships, in subjects spanning basic and translational brain sciences in the biological mechanisms underlying autism.SIDBis a philanthropic Centre funded by theSimons Foundation Autism Research Initiativebased at the University of Edinburgh.Entry Projects Available:Determining the reciprocal relationship between hyperexcitability and activity-dependent bulk endocytosis. (Professor Mike Cousin)How do the conduction properties of myelinated axons mature in developing neural circuits? (Dr David Lyons & Dr Julia Meng)Investigating the mechanism of action of loss of function CHAMP1 variants. (Dr Martine Manuel)Investigation of the neural computations underlying cognitive dysfunction in rat models of autism. (Dr Marino Pagan)Defining the impact and relevance of compromised regulation by hnRNP family members on ASD-relevant neurobiology. (Dr Chris Sibley)ASD Mutations in the Ciliary Gene BBS4 and Macrocephaly in Human Cortical Organoids. (Dr Thomas Theil)Oxytocin receptor–defined circuits in social and emotional behaviour: mapping and targeted rescue in a Syngap rat model. (Dr Sally Till)Exploring affective touch and pain in rodent models of neurodevelopmental disorders. (Dr Carole Torsney)Sense & Sensibility: How brain plasticity underpins sensory perception & learning. (Dr Leena Williams)Investigating sensory integration in the head direction system in rat models of neurodevelopmental disorders. (Dr Emma Wood)Mechanisms of astrocyte-dependent control of neuronal network development and activity in health and disease (Dr Giles Hardingham)Neurobiology and development of natural social behaviour in the precocial spiny mouse (Dr Ann Clemens)How to Apply and DeadlineFull project details are found on theSIDB website